Reach for the Star

Prisms and cylinders

GCSE Mathematics 1MA1 · L035 · Week 12 · 60 minute lesson

Calculate prism and cylinder volumes from cross-sectional area and length.

Calculator route: NC/C selected to purpose; label each question

Stretch and deep challenge are optional routes for learners ready to move on. Complete the independent check before using revealed answers.

Connect & Check

Explain the method: A prism has a constant cross-section. Volume is cross-sectional area multiplied by length.

Discuss this with a partner before using the worked example.

Share

Compare starting methods

With a partner, predict the first step for: A triangular prism has cross-section base 6 cm and height 4 cm, with length 10 cm. Find its volume. Compare your reasons before viewing the model.

Present

A triangular prism has cross-section base 6 cm and height 4 cm, with length 10 cm. Find its volume.

Reveal a worked check after attempting

Triangle area = 12 cm², so volume = 120 cm³.

Apply

A cylinder has radius 3 cm and height 8 cm. Give its volume exactly.

Reveal a worked check after attempting

V = π × 3² × 8 = 72π cm³.

Apply and extend

A prism has volume 210 cm³ and cross-section area 15 cm². Find its length.

Reveal a worked check after attempting

210 ÷ 15 = 14 cm.

Optional stretch

A prism has a trapezium cross-section with parallel sides 4 cm and 8 cm and height 3 cm. Its length is 11 cm. Find the volume.

Reveal a worked check after attempting

Cross-section = (4+8)×3/2=18 cm²; volume=198 cm³.

Optional deep challenge

A cylinder and a triangular prism both have cross-sectional area 24 cm² and length 7 cm. Compare their volumes and explain.

Reveal a worked check after attempting

Both volumes are 24×7=168 cm³; the cross-section shape does not change the prism rule.

Recall & Review

Without notes, solve the Apply question again and justify one check.

Reveal a worked check after attempting

V = π × 3² × 8 = 72π cm³.

Recall & Review and prepare

Surface area and volume

Write one question about today's work to bring to the next lesson.

Save a copy of your answers before leaving this page. A revealed answer is a check, not evidence of independent mastery.

Recall & Review: feedback and extension integration

Lesson L035: Prisms and cylinders

Objective: Calculate prism and cylinder volumes from cross-sectional area and length.

60-minute structure: 0-7 Connect & Check; 7-14 Share; 14-25 Present/model; 25-44 Apply route choice/practice; 44-52 independent exam-style check; 52-60 Recall & Review, WWW/EBI and next step.

What Went Well (WWW)

I selected the correct geometric fact, theorem, formula or transformation and used a clear diagram with appropriate labels and units.

Even Better If (EBI)

I will name the fact or theorem, show the substitution or construction step and check whether the size, direction and units of the result are reasonable.

Stretch and deep challenge

Stretch: A prism has a trapezium cross-section with parallel sides 4 cm and 8 cm and height 3 cm. Its length is 11 cm. Find the volume.

Deep challenge: A cylinder and a triangular prism both have cross-sectional area 24 cm² and length 7 cm. Compare their volumes and explain.